What would be the best way to create an infective agent that caused hallucinations? I was thinking a virus that modifed serotonin to psilocin - but how exactly would this take place in the cell, and how would a hypothetical virus catalyse that process? Is it realistic for a modern virology lab to design such a virus? I considered a bacterial vector, but I figure that bacterial infection of the CNS would probably just straight-up kill you due to the host response? Perhaps a bacterial species that just hangs out in your gut and squirts out psilocin that it synthesises itself, rather than having to methylate free serotonin? I know a fair bit of biochemistry but not much at all about microbiology, if that helps guide your explanations.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot on Aug 26, 2011 - 19 answers

I'm working on a project for my health class that requires us to explain the effects of certain types of drugs, and my topic is hallucinogenic substances. I'm looking for some kind of video that can demonstrate the images/patterns/sounds that can be common for someone to see during an LSD trip. Does anyone either have a video in mind, or a place where I might be able to find a video that's similar to what I'm describing?
posted by linzenoonoo on May 7, 2011 - 19 answers

Genetic damage caused by hallucinogens? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 30, 2008 - 23 answers